Problems galore in Domlur

Problems galore in Domlur
By Fathima Sumaya Khan, DH News Service, Bangalore:
Since Domlur is close to the airport, a lot of houses are being converted into service apartments. This is quite a disturbing trend for localites, who always dreamt of peacefully settling in a residential locality which is free from the chaos and disturbance of commercial establishments.


Domlur is located in the heart of Bangalore and has close proximity to the airport on one hand and M G Road on the other.

But living in this prime location of the City is quite a challenge for residents. “One can see all kinds of violations of bylaws in construction. Residential plots being used for commercial complexes is rampant here,’’ rues Murali, a resident (name changed on request).

The 1st Main Road, 3rd Main Road and 7th cross at Domlur Layout come under residential limits, but one can see industries, shopping malls and taxi rental services here.

Since this place is close to the airport, a lot of houses are being converted into service apartments. This is quite a disturbing trend for localites, who always dreamt of peacefully settling in a residential locality which is free from the chaos and disturbance of commercial establishments.

Residents also deal with the ever growing increase in the number of vehicles plying in the layout.

Traffic density has contributed to congestion and chaos on all the main roads. Some heavy vehicles are allowed to ply through residential areas which is a big menace.

Most of the call centre and BPO’s around the area use this layout for parking their vehicles obstructing pedestrian movement.

“This layout also has auto and taxi drivers, who try to exhibit their vehicle music system and driving skills round the clock making life miserable for people. A number of complaints to the owners of these vehicles have fallen on deaf ears,” says Rajan T.

Garbage

Garbage cleaning is another menace in the area. Though few places are marked for dumping garbage by the BBMP, it’s a common practice for people to throw garbage on the roads making the environment filthy and unpleasant.

“Stray dogs and cattle too are problem makers. Hundreds of dogs venturing out in the nights, cause sleepless nights and make travelling in the night time a frightful experience”, complains Shalini Ramesh, a housewife.

As if these problems were not enough, some of the roads lack proper drainage system. Uncovered drains cause sewage water to flow on the roads. Apart from this small spells of rains cause further distress.

“Electricity supply is affected whenever it rains and there will be no power supply for five to six hours. But the BESCOM officials are not interested in fixing the problem permanently. None of the civic officials take interest to inspect the area and solve our problems,” she adds.

COMPLAINTS

The BBMP has come across some cases at Domlur Layout, where the properties meant for residential purposes are being utilised for commercial activities. We have served notices on the owners of such properties, but according to the new comprehensive development plan of Bangalore, certain rules have been relaxed and mixed zoning has led to the trend of commercialisation.

S N Nagaraj, Joint Commissioner (East), BBMP

We have received complaints about private company cabs using residential premises for parking their vehicles at Domlur Layout. We levy a fine of Rs 100 each on such drivers.

But regular enforcement of law in residential limits is a cumbersome task as the traffic police is often busy regulating traffic flow on the main roads.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic (East), Madhukar Shetty